Chelsea are reportedly ‘attempting to hijack’ Arsenal’s transfer for Mykhaylo Mudryk and they are ‘set for talks’ with Shakhtar Donetsk ‘this week’.
Arsenal have identified Mudryk as their priority signing this month after they failed to sign a winger in the summer.
The 21-year-old’s value has rocketed over the past few months as he has shone for the Ukrainian side in the Champions League.
The Gunners lodged a bid for Mudryk before the winter transfer window opened. This initial offer was rejected but they have since returned with another offer.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Tuesday morning that Arsenal’s second bid is worth €50m plus add-ons.
‘Arsenal’s new bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk is in excess of €50m guaranteed fee plus add-ons, sources don’t want to enter into details as it could be key moment of the negotiation.
‘Arsenal are pushing, they are trying their best and the player is absolutely keen on the move – Chelsea also had contacts to explore the situation but they’d only act if Arsenal move will collapse. Arsenal remain the priority.
‘For now, Arsenal’s focus is on Mudryk, but they could discuss the midfield situation later in the transfer window.’
Shakhtar have publicly stated that they want around €100m for Mudryk this month. This equates to around £85m but Premier League clubs hope that they will accept a lower fee.
Arsenal are helped by Mudryk stating that they are the club he wants to join as earlier this season he admitted that would not be able to say no to the Premier League leaders.
Chelsea are lurking in the background though and The Sun are now reporting that they are ‘making a last-ditch bid to hijack’ Arsenal’s move for the attacker.
It has been claimed that Mudryk has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal but the Blues are ‘set to enter the fray’.
Chelsea have ‘started negotiations’ and Shakhtar director Darijo Srna ‘is set to travel to London for talks this week’.
The report claims that Chelsea ‘could pip Arsenal’ if they ‘agree to meet the asking price, around £60million with another £20million in add-ons, and offer better terms than the Gunners’.
Graham Potter’s side have already signed young striker David Datro Fofana from Molde this month and they are also expected to bring in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica following his stunning performances at the World Cup.
The midfielder has a £103m release clause in his contract but it is understood that they will pay more than that to beat rivals to the signing.
Gary Neville has often questioned Todd Boehly’s methods since becoming Chelsea’s new owner last year and he has been taken aback by this potential addition.
“Are Chelsea paying €127m for Enzo Fernandez? That’s one hell of a price. A very good player but bloody hell!”
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